Barcelona move for Éli Junior Kroupi as Plan B to Julian Alvarez | OneFootball

Barcelona have turned to Éli Junior Kroupi as Plan B, with the Julian Alvarez pursuit deemed extremely difficult. According to L'Équipe, Bournemouth have rejected two bids worth under €100 million.

Sporting director Deco led the push in recent days after head coach Hansi Flick approved the 20-year-old forward’s profile. Kroupi, developed at Lorient, plays for Bournemouth.

Barça’s interest has dominated Catalan coverage in recent days, with local voices highlighting the striker’s potential. A childhood photo of Kroupi in the club’s 2012-13 away shirt has circulated widely on social media.

Kroupi would be delighted to join the back-to-back Spanish champions and is said to have relayed that wish to his advisers. Bournemouth continue to reject all offers, though the firmness of that stance is not entirely convincing.

In parallel, president Joan Laporta is personally handling the Alvarez pursuit, which remains Flick’s priority in attack. Alvarez is considered unsellable by Atlético de Madrid, and relations have worsened since the player said during the World Cup that a transfer would suit everyone and that he wanted to realise his dream.

Neither Barça nor Alvarez have walked away. Laporta and his recruitment team are now operating more discreetly, and a €100 million offer has so far failed to sway Atlético.

Source: L'Équipe